Mike Nelson (left) photographed with his brother Ken (right). Mike Nelson says he plans to challenge U.S. Rep. Rick Crawford (R) for the Arkansas Congressional District 1 seat as a Democrat.

Credit Mike Nelson's Facebook Page

In June of 2017, U. S. Representative Rick Crawford (R-Jonesboro) told Roby Brock during an interview on Talk Business and Politics that he plans to run again in 2018. Like 2016, Crawford may have a challenger. Unlike 2016, Crawford's challenger may be a Democrat rather than a Libertarian. A Democrat who calls himself a "semi-retired cattle rancher."

This cattle rancher is also a business man out of Arkansas County named Mike Nelson. In June, Nelson said he was working on a campaign to challenge Crawford in 2018.

Nelson spoke with KASU's Brandon Tabor about his "deep roots" in Eastern Arkansas, his plans for the district if elected, how he plans to mobilize his party and his thoughts on addressing healthcare legislation.

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LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (AP) — A "semi-retired" rancher and farmer who hasn't sought political office before said Tuesday he's challenging an Arkansas Republican congressman as a Democrat next year.

Mike Nelson said he is seeking the party's nomination to challenge Republican Rep. Rick Crawford in the 1st Congressional District. Crawford has held the seat since 2010 and is seeking re-election next year.